Question

36 yo M is evaluated for a 3 month hx of severely depressed mood, hypersomnia, poor appetite, 15 lb weight loss, and loss of interest in family, hobbies, and work. PHQ-9 score is 13 indicating moderate depression.Most appropriate management?

Answer 1

The most appropriate management for a 36-year-old male with depression is to begin treatment with antidepressant medication and psychotherapy.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most appropriate management for a 36-year-old male with a 3-month history of severely depressed mood, hypersomnia, poor appetite, 15 lb weight loss, and loss of interest in family, hobbies, and work is to begin treatment with antidepressant medication and psychotherapy.

Antidepressant medication can help alleviate the symptoms of depression by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. Common classes of antidepressants include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs).

Psychotherapy, specifically cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can also be beneficial as it helps identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to depression.